Chapter Nine

A Date's Decision

"Aang, we need to talk about the wedding." I insisted, pursing my lips in annoyance. Aang was hunched over his paperwork, as he had been for the whole day. His brows were scrunched together and he stared intently at the papers, his gray eyes narrowed. He was completely absorbed and focused on the parchment. I didn't think he heard me, "Aang." I repeated, louder this time.

This caught his attention—barely. He didn't even lift his eyes as he addressed me, "Not now, sweetie, I'm busy." Aang dismissed, his slim index finger absently trailing across the page as he read, his mouth silently saying each word.

"You're always busy," I grumbled solemnly to myself. It was true. It seemed that he was 'busy' all the time now. Aang's eyes hardly ever strayed from the papers. It seemed almost daily, several messenger hawks swooped in with even more paperwork.

"I'm not always busy." Aang protested, surprising me. I hadn't thought he had heard me. He raised his gray eyes, blinking at me, "Am I?"

"It seems like it." I replied quietly, moving over to glance out the large window of the inn we were staying at. It was a hot day, yet the breeze that occasionally swept through the open window kept us cool. The streets below were crowded and loud; the smell of exotic foods making my mouth water.

"Really?" Aang inquired, turning my attention back to him. He was nibbling on his lower lip, his eyes lost in thought. "I'm sorry," He apologized sincerely.

"It's fine," I brushed it off. It's not like it was his fault that he was buried in paperwork lately, "I don't mind." That, of course, was a lie.

He stared at me, "You do," he countered, "Don't lie, Vinca Mae." he teased, using my middle name to his advantage.

I blushed. Of course I minded—I missed him. The Aang that wasn't mesmerized by work. "You caught me," I sighed, But its work, and its important." I pressed.

"You're more important," Aang stated, making my cheeks heat up again. A grin appeared on his lips as he leapt swiftly to his feet, trapping me in his arms. "I have an idea. Want to hear it?" His breath was warm against my ear.

My skin tingled, and goosebumps rose, "Sure."

Aang twirled me around so that I was facing him. "A date." He proposed, grinning lazily down at me.

"A date?" I repeated uncertainly.

He nodded. "What do you think? We'll get all dressed up and hit the town." He waggled his eyebrows.

A giggle escaped my lips, "Okay. Sounds good, I guess."

Aang leaned down and swiftly kissed my forehead. "See you in an hour!" he exclaimed in farewell, and with a wink he was gone out the window, flickers of air trailing after him.

I only smiled and rolled my eyes before retreating into the bathroom to prepare for our "date".


An hour later, I was dressed in a silk red dress, the scarlet of the Fire Nation. It was a gift from Siera. My hair was down, as the air had chilled considerably. All was down except for my braids which were braided back. The perfume Aang got me for my birthday that smell like vanilla and tigerlily was sprayed on, and my golden betrothal necklace around my neck. Now, all there was to do was wait for my date.

A few long minutes later, I was surrounded by a sudden, abnormal breeze that I effortlessly identified as Aang's entrance. I turned around to see Aang, dressed in his usual clothing as before, yet a dozen white roses in his hand. He walked forward, his smile bright, the smile that I loved. "Hello, gorgeous," he cooed affectionately, handing me the roses.

I blushed, turning the attention to the flowers. "They're beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you." he replied, almost simply, as he collected his paperwork and put them back into our suitcases.

I lowered my eyes, my cheeks warming even more, if possible. I watched as he waterbended a slender stream of water into a clear vase. I set the roses in, smiling slightly to myself.

"Are you ready?" Aang inquired, his eyes sparkling. I nodded, willing my cheeks to cool, and took Aang's hand when he offered. We exited the building, entering the bustling streets lit by streetlights. The area was filled with delicious smells, the shouts of vendors, and the chattering of people. The road was filled to the brim, barely any room to move. There was the faint sound of music.

"What is this?" I had to raise my voice. The streets were busy. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed three men performing firebending tricks, along with a woman who gracefully leapt through their fiery hoops. To my left, I examined a dancing performance as well. It looked like a carnival.

"A street fair," he replied into my ear, guiding me away from the crowds and onto the sidewalk, which was surprisingly empty.

I surveyed the street fair. Everywhere I looked, I saw vendors, food stands, or performers. It was spectacular, really, and the music seemed the set the tone for everyone. "Wow," I breathed, my eyes lingering. What a sight.

Aang grinned, "I know."

"There's so many people!" I was in awe.

"I know." he squeezed my hand gently, "Here, this way. There's an empty table. We can talk."

Even though I could stay here the rest of the night, just watching the crowds and the things around me, I followed. The table was off to the side, but in a good view so that we could see everything. "So, what do you want to talk about?" I asked, dragging my eyes away from the show around me to Aang, who was looking at me.

"What do you want to talk about?"

I shrugged, "The wedding, if you want."

"Alright. What about it?"

I stared at him in surprise. "What about it? We need to start planning it!" I exclaimed.

Now it was he who shrugged, "How about in two weeks?"

"Aang, it's not that simple." A sigh escaped my lips.

Aang made a face, "What else is there? We'll get married in two weeks. Done." he smiled, reaching for my hand.

I started to feel overwhelmed. "But you're supposed to send invitations out like, two weeks before the wedding! And we still don't know where we're getting married—the Southern Air Temple won't work, I'm sorry, how will everyone get there in time? And the reception...what about that? And the groomsmen and bridesmaids...oh, Spirits." I closed my eyes, my shoulders slumping.

"It's fine," Aang comforted, "There's no rush to be married."

"I know..." I trailed off.

"But the sooner the better." he smiled gently.

I smiled half-heartedly back, "Yes." I lowered my eyes, "Yet, I'm horrible at planning something. I wish I had the planning skills of Katara." I murmured fondly.

Aang's eyes brightened, "Well, we'll just go visit!"

I blinked, "I...I don't think we can just show up—"

"I have three meetings there anyway. So it's all good!" He exclaimed, rising to his feet, "Let's go!"

"Aang—," Of course I loved to visit the two, but showing up without notice?

Aang had his mind set.

I found myself on Appa's saddle five minutes later.


AN: Well, Aang and Vinca are on their way to visit Katara and Zuko at the palace. I really liked the idea of Vinca and Aang going on a date. Yes. Date. :3 I would always think of Aang being the romantic man that every girl dreamed of, so I'm practicing my hand at making him romantic. Flowers, dates, and...flying to the palace. Romantic. I had actually had part of this chapter wrote down in my notebook (which I have tons of chapters in, including my first rough draft of Passing Over...aye aye aye, that's a scary read...) So, I just took the part I had and added the two speaking about their upcoming wedding.

Of course, Aang wants to married to her as soon as possible, but obviously doesn't realize what preparations must be done for a wedding...which, Katara will play a part in preparing for. So, some Zutara is on its way, it may not be as fluffy as you guys want, but hey, its some! :)

Much love, xoxsillygoose